PRESENTING A MODEL FOR MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM WITHIN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

Abstract

Since mental health is directly related to individual and social performance and psychosocial harm, and upgrading it requires the availability of appropriate information systems and the collection of data and indicators, it has become, nowadays, one of the most important topics within the realm of healthcare services. The present study was conducted using descriptive-applied method. Initially, an interview was conducted with a number of mental health professionals to identify the status of the information system and mental health indicators in the primary care setting. Then, required mental health indicators were identified within primary healthcare through questionnaire and the results were formulated in the form of information system model and mental health indicators in primary care by using Delphi method. A total of 55 mental health indicators were selected in the primary care system; of these total number, 35 indicators were accepted by the panel of experts, which are categorized into four main categories of context, inputs, processes and functions, and result and output; finally, obtained findings were presented as mental health information system model.. This research has identified the current state of the Mental Health Information System (MIS) and suggested practical information domains for planning useful managers in order to provide appropriate mental health services in the primary health care system.